To become a therapeutic recreation specialist, you must complete four steps: post-secondary education, gain work experience, complete the job interview process, and work as a therapeutic recreation specialist. A therapeutic recreation specialist works with people who have a developmental disability or who have recently recovered from an illness or injury. The therapist can help clients strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and learn new skills by using recreational activities.
This type of work is rewarding for people who are interested in rehabilitation sciences, are patient, and enjoy assisting others. It’s important to realize that as a therapeutic recreation specialist, you’ll be responsible for almost all of the initiative. In many cases, the patient or client is unable to decide on and carry out a course of action. People who get their energy from others are more likely to burn out after a few years in this position.
To work as a therapeutic recreation specialist, you must first complete a post-secondary education program. A wide range of community and career colleges offer this type of program. Seek out schools that are affiliated with a rehabilitation facility. If the center is close by, there are more opportunities for job placements, volunteer work, and guest lectures.
A job placement program is usually used to obtain related work experience. Formal internship or cooperative learning terms are required in the best programs for becoming a therapeutic recreation specialist. This type of work is typically scheduled during regular business hours, but weekends may be required depending on resource availability.
Proofread your resume and cover letter for any grammar or spelling errors before applying for a job as a therapeutic recreation specialist. The employer will usually ask a set of questions and expect complete and succinct answers. Remember that everything you say will be recorded and analyzed. Consider your responses, remain calm, and respond to the question.
The tasks assigned to you as a therapeutic recreation specialist in your first job are usually simple and routine. This is an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the workplace, learn where materials and supplies are kept, and learn about internal procedures. Take the time to observe your coworkers and supervisors at work. Many people want to advance their careers into supervisory or management roles after five to ten years. Many organizations demand additional academic credentials. This could include therapeutic recreation management courses, certificates, or specialist certificates.